It’s not an easy decision to get breast implants, also called augmentation mammography. But whatever your reasons — from personal cosmetic reasons to reconstructive surgery after cancer — it’s important to be selective in which size and type you go with. This is a very personal decision and no one but you can decide on the final choice, although your plastic surgeon can certainly make recommendations based on your body type. Breast augmentation happens to be one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures, with 286,000 surgeries taking place in 2014 alone, says the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. A breast implant isn’t something to be rushed. In your quest to find the right kind of breast implants for you, review your options thoroughly and ask detailed questions.

Types

There’s no set standard across the board when it comes to breast implant solutions. That means you have a variety of choices at your disposal and by exploring each one, you can make a more informed decision. The two basic types are silicone gel or saline, each featuring its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Both are made with an outer silicone shell. Let’s take a look at each: Silicone: This type tends to more closely resemble the look and feel of natural breast fat, as it’s smoother and softer than its saline counterpart. In fact, they feel more like a semisolid gel rather than a water balloon, which is what saline most closely resembles. In addition to the more natural feeling, silicone gel implants aren’t as prone to rippling over time. These implants are pre-filled with silicone gel, which is a thick, sticky fluid that’s generally recommended for women 22 and older for breast augmentation and women of any age for breast reconstruction, according to the Mayo Clinic. Saline: Filled with sterile water, these implants are inserted empty and then filled once the doctor has adjusted them to where they should be. As such, there’s usually a shorter incision. Women ages 18 and older can use saline implants for breast augmentation and to women of all ages for breast reconstruction. Saline implants can be adjusted after surgery by taking out liquid or adding some in to get just the right look.

Size

This is a tough one. You may think the bigger the better, but that’s not always the case. Go too big and you’ll be too top heavy for your body size. It all has to do with proportion. Some experts say to try a little test at home beforehand. Put some rice into a plastic baggie and place it inside your bra. Try out different amounts until you get the right look you want to see in the mirror, viewing it from all angles. Of course, your plastic surgeon can help with all that, too. When in the office, try on varying implant sizes and talk to your doctor about the right size for your body type.

Varieties

There are other considerations beyond size and type. You’ll have to decide on the following elements as well:

• Surface will determine whether you want smooth or textured implants.
• Shape: Do you prefer rounded or shaped?
• Profile: This refers to the amount of implant protrusion.
• Size or volume is usually somewhere between 120 to 850 cc.

When you make an appointment for a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Mariam Awada, MD FACS, you’ll get peace of mind knowing you’re getting attention to detail and thorough research. Call Michigan Cosmetic Surgery today to learn more.